Top 10 Things to do in Johannesburg
Johannesburg is one of the most unique cities in the world and when you visit, it’ll be easy to see why when you check out the top 10 things to do in Johannesburg.
Need a plan? Check out the best Joburg itinerary with a 4-day plan to explore the city, as well as safari and day trip activities.
#1 Ponte City
Go on a tour of the famous high-end apartment complex turned hijacked building, turned… modern apartment. I think this is one of the most interesting buildings in the whole city and the history is just shocking. You can go on a Taste of Africa Tour, a Hillbrow Tour, a Queer Hillbrow tour, and more with Dlala Nje to explore the area. Read my review of running up to the top of the 54 story building (which occurs once a month and it’s amazing!) or the Hillbrow tour.
#2 Soweto
Visit the township Soweto for the history of Mandela, Tutu, and historical events during the Apartheid regime. Go with One Day Africa, as I did. Read my review here. This will be a half-day adventure. If you are brave enough, visit the Orlando Tours that you can bungee jump from!
You can also visit the Apartheid museum. You’ll need at least two hours for this museum. If you’re short on time, I’d skip this and instead watch a documentary on your plane ride over.
#3 Joburg CBD
Joburg’s downtown is called “CBD” (for central business district). You should go on a tour of this area to explore. It’s got an interesting history and there are tons of cool buildings. You can visit in a couple of different ways depending on what you feel like. You really can’t go wrong.
- Try out a skateboarding tour with City Skate Tours.
- Go on a tour with Joburg Places and end for lunch back at their restaurant Town Treasure (which is an old bank vault turned bar).
- Explore with Honest Travel on a scooter, or on a bike with Micro-Adventures.
#4 Maboneng
This cool area of CBD is safe to walk up and down on your own. Maboneng is one of the top things to do in Johannesburg because it’s a unique area of town with shops and great food around, as well as lots of street art. You can do a tour of the amazing street art with One Day Africa. One of the best rooftop bars in the city is located here: The Living Room. There is delicious South African food at Pata Pata and Ethiopian food at Habesha, a Joburg favorite Bertrand, and one of our favorite coffee/breakfast spots Home of the Bean. Just a short uber ride away, also visit the Hallmark House Rooftop and my favorite restaurant in town, the Marabi Club.
#5 Braamfontein
This trendy area is for cool kids. Literally. There is a fashion school in this CBD neighborhood and I’m not in the WhatsApp group to know what to wear here. There is a popular Saturday market, The Playground, as well as a great restaurant serving south African food called Mangrove. Another favorite in the area is the plant/coffee shop, JFF Rooftop. Here, you can get a coffee and dream about what plants you want to buy since you probably can’t take them in your suitcase. We have two thriving plants from JFF in our apartment. Plan to spend an hour at lunch at Mangrove then get a coffee at JFF. Spend more time by going on a walking graffiti tour with City Skate Tours.
#6 Parkhurst
The Parkhurst neighborhood has some of Joburg’s trendiest restaurants serving up South African steaks to incredible Greek food. You can spend 2-3 hours going into all the shops and getting ice cream, coffee, and food along the way. There are also some street sellers that sell great baskets and some interesting metal sculptures. Everything is located on the main street, 4th Ave, so just plan to walk up and down.
Check out:
- Kolonaki Greek Kouzina for incredible Greek food.
- Embarc for tapas-style south African fusion-style food.
- Jolly Roger to visit one of the first bars in the area.
- If you like ice cream, Paul’s Homemade is a favorite.
- Go into fashion shops from South African designers like Jane Valken, Desray, Hannah Lavery, and so many more.
#7 Joburg’s Galleries
The best way to see all the galleries featuring local and African artists is to go on a bike tour with Micro-Adventures. You’ll be able to visit artists in their workshops and explore several different galleries with a guide that you won’t be able to get into on your own. My favorite gallery is Melrose Gallery because it frequently rotates its collections. I try to go to each new exhibit because I really enjoy the curation of artwork here. We even bought a piece from here. Read more about Joburg’s art galleries here.
Also worth noting is that Joburg’s markets are like a gallery themselves and another top thing to do in Johannesburg. Check out the best markets in town to look at and buy incredible South African art.
#8 Constitution Hill
If you want more history than Soweto, head on over to Constitution Hill for an hour-long tour. Constitution Hill is a prison-turned court. The prison once held freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.
#9 Newtown
If you want a picture in front of this incredible (and non-operational) museum, head on over to Newtown in CBD. This area is home to the Market Theater, street art, and a giant saxophone sculpture by the artist James Delaney (who has a studio you can visit in Victoria Yards).
#10 Joburg’s Parks
Visit the Wilds, Joburg Botanical Garden, Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden or Klipriviersberg. Check out all the best parks in Joburg here.
What do you think of the top 10 things to do in Johannesburg? Got any additions? Let me know in the comments!